Many educators wonder, “What are brain breaks in the classroom?” Brain breaks are short breaks that give students (and teachers!) a chance to reset, recharge, and refocus. Research shows that students who take movement breaks perform better academically, manage stress more effectively, and stay more mindful. Brain breaks are short, intentional pauses during tasks that offer significant … Read more
Classroom STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or STEAM (which includes the Arts) education has gained significant momentum in recent years. This interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills…essential competencies for the real world. Why STEM Learning Matters A STEM classroom is dynamic, student-centered, and often noisy because students are actively engaged in … Read more
Transitioning to student-centered learning represents one of the most significant paradigm shifts in modern education. Whether you’re in your first year of teaching or have years of teaching experience, this shift can feel daunting. Many educators, whether new teachers or veteran teachers fall into three specific common teaching mistakes when trying to move away from … Read more
Click above to listen to the podcast episode: “Clarifying Student-Centered Learning Prep with Rocio Gonzalez“ A student-centered classroom is a dynamic learning environment where students take an active role in their own learning process. Unlike the traditional teacher-centered classroom, this instructional approach emphasizes student agency, allowing students to explore their own interests and fostering critical … Read more
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, classroom teachers are increasingly moving beyond rote memorization to foster deeper understanding and lifelong skills. The inquiry-based approach, particularly inquiry-based learning (IBL), has emerged as a student-centered method that transforms classrooms into dynamic hubs of exploration. At its core, IBL nurtures students’ curiosity, develops critical thinking skills, and helps … Read more
Transforming education through a student-centered approach represents a significant shift from traditional teacher-centered methods, emphasizing a more engaging, interactive, and personalized learning experience. In this educational philosophy, the classroom setting is reimagined to put students at the forefront, making them active participants in their learning journey. This paradigm shift in teaching style, from direct instruction … Read more
When I first encountered learner centered education, it felt like a trial by fire. The concept was introduced, but the practical implementation remained unclear, a challenge many educators face. Over time, I discovered the transformative power of learner-centered education and committed to refining my approach. When lessons succeeded, students thrived, engaging more deeply than in … Read more
Genius Hour is an innovative educational approach that empowers students to explore their own passions, interests, and curiosities during a set period of time within the school day. Rooted in the principles of student-driven learning, Genius Hour encourages students to take ownership of their own learning, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in project-based learning. … Read more
We are in a weird time in education. Not only are the pressures on the profession at an all-time high, but teachers by nature put their heart and soul into their work 24/7 while the school year is in session (and a lot of it often carries over when the year is not in session as … Read more
One of the biggest challenges plaguing teachers in the classroom today is developing (and implementing) classroom management techniques that actually WORK. The amount of inappropriate behavior and classroom management issues that we are currently seeing is at an all-time high. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that 87% of schools reported that the … Read more
Click above to listen to the accompanying podcast episode. Designing a classroom layout that supports student-centered learning is not just about arranging furniture or decorating walls—it’s about creating a space where students feel empowered, engaged, and inspired. Well-implemented classroom decor and organization can make a significant difference in how students interact with the material, collaborate with peers, and take … Read more
For some teachers, transitioning to a student-centered classroom can be challenging. Many educators were taught in a teacher-centered classroom, where direct instruction was the norm. When introduced to concepts like learner-centered education or student-centered instruction, it can be difficult to envision how these approaches work in practice and what some examples of student-centered learning would … Read more